Chapter 3: Severance: Part 2
2:43 PM Monday 14th February 2022, Winters Residence, Near Florence, Italy
"I've spent months trying to track down your number," replied Chris.
"It would have been better if we were left alone. Chris, this is getting ridiculous. I said I was done with you and the BSAA," said Ethan, his tone unpleasant, "If this call is about the BSAA thinking that Bela is still a threat, then you can tell them-"
"I'm calling you of my own accord, Ethan. The rest of the BSAA isn't involved in this," interrupted Chris, "And what I need to talk to you about has nothing to do with Belabeing a threat."
"Then what is this about?" asked Ethan.
"Something important has come up. I need you to head back to the vineyard, Ethan," said Chris, "We'll talk when we are face to face."
That put an expression of shock on Ethan's face when he heard that. "How the hell did you-"
"I'm here with no other BSAA agents," interrupted Chris, "Hurry back, Ethan. I'm waiting on you."
And Chris promptly hung up the phone, leaving Ethan with nothing but a beeping tone. Lay down the phone in shock
"Ethan, what's wrong?" asked Bela.
"Chris has found us, Bela. I don't know how he found us, but he did," sighed Ethan, "He's waiting back at the vineyard for us right now."
Bela's face expressed a look of shock and disbelief, tightening her hold on Rose. "What should we do? Is it safe to go back home?"
"I'm not sure. Chris said he was alone, but I'm not going to hold him to that," said Ethan, "Even so, where else can we go?"
"Let's go, Bela. If we don't meet up with him, he'll most likely alert the BSAA. They'll turn this whole region upside down to look for us." said Ethan.
"Alright, Ethan," replied Bela, "But I don't like this. We'll still need to be vigilant just in case something bad happens."
Ethan nodded, understanding where she was going with that statement. Having already paid for their meal in advance, the two adults stood up. Bela held onto Rose as they walked over to their vehicle. It was an old small red pick-up truck, which had belonged to the previous owner of their home until his passing. After getting in and starting the engine, they drove away from the plaza. Turning corners and driving semi-busy streets, they soon found themselves driving out from the city of Florence and into the Italian countryside.
Ethan and Bela had truly hoped that Germany was the last they were ever going to see the last of Chris and the BSAA. But they had been proven wrong last year. After Richter had dropped them off at an abandoned airstrip where their pilot had waited for them with a plane, the pilot did a routine check to make sure there was no tracking device on either of them. To their shock, the pilot had discovered a small tracking chip in between the layers of Bela's jeans. Bela had promptly torn it out of the jeans and crushed it. They should have known better that Chris would always try to keep tabs on them, but Ethan had a greater feeling it was to spy on Bela. And look for the first opportunity to kill her in case she went cannibalistic again.
Ethan was infuriated back then that Chris had violated them for his own purposes when there was absolutely no need to monitor Bela like she was a psycho. And now, he was wary of Chris' intentions for them both. For all they knew, at least a dozen BSAA members were waiting for them to be taken to another BSAA base. As the paved road soon became a dirt road, Ethan eyed the glovebox. He had stashed his handgun there just in case of an emergency. So far, it was not used since they arrived in Italy and Ethan hoped to keep it that way. Perhaps that would change today.
Making a turn to the right of the dirt road, they pulled up onto a property. There was a two-storey house sitting in the middle of the land. It was a yellowed white with some exposed bricking coming out in patches. The roof was patterned with brown and red tiles. A garage of the same detailing sat on the left and a single storey section of the house was connected from the right. The front yard of the property was made up of several garden patches, bearing either flowers, vegetables and berry bushes. Another building, the winery and cellar, was built close to the house where the harvested grapes were stored and turned to wine. And just beyond the house was a visible section of the vineyard.
Sure enough, Chris was waiting for them at his own blue truck. There was no sight of anyone else or any other vehicles. He didn't appear in any attire that indicated he was ready for a fight. Just seemingly normal casual attire that consisted of brown leather shoes, jeans and a blue collar shirt. Despite not seeing each other for a year, Chris seemed to have gained a few more wrinkles and more grey hairs were prominent. But Ethan knew he couldn't assume that Chris didn't have hostile intentions, given the organisation that he works for and the fact that his girlfriend was a former cannibal.
Ethan and Bela stepped out of the truck, but only after Ethan tucked his pistol in the side of his pants and under his shirt. After getting Rose out, they walked up to the aged BSAA captain, who gave them a neutral look.
"Hello, Ethan," said Chris, "Hello, Bela."
"Hello, Chris." replied Ethan, "Long time no see. Not that we wanted to see you."
Chris promptly ignored that last part, looking at the gardens and then the house.
"So this is your new life, huh?" asked Chris, "Tending to gardens and making wines?"
"It's nothing like my old life, but I'm happy with this kind of life. If it continues to keep us safe, then so be it," said Ethan, "And Bela remembers the process to making the wine back in her castle, which she applies to the ones we make here and her teachings have been invaluable to me. We're still aging our first batch of wine, but that won't be ready for another few months."
"Back in the castle? Ethan, you aren't-" Chris asked before Bela cut in.
"No, Chris, there's no blood in our wine, I assure you. But we still use the same fermenting and aging process to deliver an excellent-quality wine," said Bela, "And we always did have blood-free wine back in the castle that we exported, but the batches with blood in them were Alcina's personal supply."
Several months ago, Bela stopped referring Alcina to as her mother, now just calling her by her name. She had come to realise that Alcina was never her true mother, but simply someone who took her into their home and took on the name. Although she kept the last name just as a way of identification and the fact that it said that on her identity documents.
"I see." said Chris as Ethan and Bela walked to the front door.
Taking out a set of keys, Ethan unlock the door and led the group inside. A warm, both figurative and literal, atmosphere greeted them. The house looked like partially modern on the inside while retaining some aspects of a classic Italian interior. The hallway was led to a set of stairs as well as several rooms, including a kitchen and a dining room that had an arched entrance to a living room. They walked into the dining room, with Ethan pulling out the handgun and placing it on a nearby shelf. Chris immediately took notice of some of the furniture and items laying around.
"Some of this stuff looks familiar." said Chris.
"It should be. Our friend was kind enough to salvage mine and Rose's belongings from our house in Romania along with some other things when he helped us move here. The same thing with Bela's belonging from the castle. He surprised us with this when we arrived," said Ethan, "Saves buying new furniture and kitchenware."
"What about Mia's belongings?" asked Chris.
Ethan looked down at the mention of his deceased wife. The Duke did indeed bring back memorabilia of Mia. To Ethan, this was both a relief and a burden. He was happy that her personal belongings were returned to him, but they also reminded him of her death and how she will no longer be a part of his life. Things like her old jewellery and their pictures in a photo journal were among them. Things like her old clothes were not brough back since she was no longer around to wear them. Currently, Mia's things were sitting in a box upstairs in the house attic, collecting dust. He knew that Mia would always have a place in his heart and nothing would ever change that, but he was starting over with Bela and making room for her.
Bela was so different from Mia in many ways, but similar in others. Like their love for Ethan and Rose. But Bela had been more truthful to Ethan ever since they arrived in Italy for their new life. That was something Mia was never completely capable of, especially when he found out after her death that she once worked as a member of the Connections. Bela, on the other hand, held back no secrets so far about her life when they talked about themselves.
"I got her things as well, but I'd rather not talk about her now." said Ethan.
"Ethan, Rose looks like she could use a nap. I'll take her upstairs to tuck her in and I'll come back down." said Bela.
Ethan took notice of Rose. Her eyelids were starting to look a little droopy and her movements were more relaxed. The pizza lunch and the sudden hustle of getting back home must have tired her out.
"Okay, Bela." said Chris, "Better that she wasn't here to see this anyway."
Bela walked back into the hallway and up the stairs. Ethan and Chris each took a seat at opposing sides of the dining room table. Chris decided to start off the conversation.
"You twoare dating?" asked Chris, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, Chris. We are." said Ethan, "You say that like it's taboo to date someone who isn't completely human."
"I just didn't expect you to bounce back this quickly after…" Chris paused after Ethan looked at him with a threatening glare, "…what happened in Romania."
"I wasn't just going to wallow around feeling sorry for myself, Chris. Moving forward is the only way in life," said Ethan, "Bela and I are happy together. Rose loves Bela and Bela loves Rose like her own daughter."
"Except Bela isn't her mother," said Chris, "You plan on telling Rose the truth when the time is right?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Chris. I'm not going to do anything now or for the foreseeable future that would derail Bela's relationship with us," said Ethan, "Speaking of which, how are yourself and Jill? You two planning on continuing the…Redfield Bloodline?"
Ethan chuckled at that last part, but Chris only gave a small smile at the joke, but no laugh. He then spoke. "No. She left the BSAA two months ago. And our relationship was on the rocks as it is with the T-Virus in her. Besides, I'm too old for kids and not really good with them."
"Bummer," said Ethan his smile faltering, "And Claire?"
"Retired from TerraSave a few weeks ago after she suffered a overwork-induced heart attack. Even before then, she was too embroiled in her work to meet anyone," said Chris, "You should consider yourself luck you're not a Redfield."
"Glad to be a Winters, then." said Ethan.
They both heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Bela approaching. She took a seat next to Ethan.
"But enough talk about us, Chris,"said Ethan, wanting to get this unanticipated arrival over with as quickly as possible, "I know you didn't just call to say hello or ask how we're doing. If you had a tough time tracking down my number, then it must be something important."
"Like I said, it is important. So I'll just cut to the chase," said Chris, "A few months ago, the labs at the BSAA finished analysing the blood samples from both of you."
"And?" asked Ethan, "What about them?"
"Ethan, the analysis from your samples indicated that they are different to the ones that we took after the Baker House Incident." said Chris, "It seems to have…mutated."
"That's pretty obvious, Chris," said Ethan, "It was all evidenced from my superhuman abilities and from when I can use my body as a weapon."
"And when was the last time you used those abilities?" asked Chris.
"I haven't used them since we left Germany. And the same goes for Bela and her swarming ability. But we both have used our enhanced strength when we had to lift heavy objects when we worked here. Away from public sight, of course.", said Ethan.
"We know you were never able to manipulate the Mold like you did back in Romania during your time at the Baker House. And you were never able to display the kind of strength and stamina during your fight with Miranda. So we have reason to believe that something happened to you while you were in the village that has granted you those powers." said Chris.
"Chris, what happened back in Romania doesn't matter now and my new powers are not a problem whatsoever," said Ethan, "There's nothing wrong with me and I'm not facing any living difficulties. Bela isn't either."
"Speaking of your girlfriend, something interesting came up about her," paused Chris, "When comparing her samples with yours, one of our research groups found some similar traits between the two. That shouldn't be possible given that you two are not related."
Ethan and Bela looked at each other, both looking anxious. When Ethan was interrogated by the BSAA regarding to how he acquired his powers, Ethan lied to them, saying that he must have gotten exposed to it when he was near Miranda. He wasn't sure back then whether he made a convincing lie, but they didn't ask any further questions and Ethan kept to that story whenever it was asked further of it. Bela gave the same answer to her interrogators, but they seemed more persistent to question her given her nature as a bioweapon. This caused more than a few frustrated outbursts from both sides and a black eye for an interrogator.
"Ethan,you're not telling me something," said Chris, "If there is something that you know, then we need to know it as well."
Ethan began to speak up, but Bela cut him off, indicating she wanted to start.
"When we were interrogated by the BSAA about Ethan's abilities, we both stated that our best guess for Ethan gaining his new abilities was his exposure to Miranda during their time together when she was disguised as Mia," said Bela, "We both lied on that part."
"So that means you both know what really gave Ethan's abilities?" asked Chris.
"We do," sighed Ethan, "After we both got out of the reservoir, I went alone to Karl Heisenberg's factory to collect the final flask containing a portion of Rose. I left Bela in a safe place to recover from the cold at the reservoir. When I confronted Karl at his factory, we were attacked by Miranda. After she revealed what she had done, we had a short confrontation. That ended with her ripping my heart out, which should have normally killed me."
Chris was aghast at what he had just heard.
"It should have. The mold granted to you by Eveline would have tried to heal you, but because of your shorter exposure compared to Mia, it wouldn't have been enough to heal you. Jesus Christ, Ethan, how did-" asked Chris, whose voice sounded shocked.
"I survived because Bela implanted one of Miranda's Cadou organisms in me. That saved my life." said Ethan, "And that is what granted me all those powers. The Mold manipulation, the advanced healing, the enhanced strength, and speed. Bela saved my life. So the Cadou organism is the reason why my samples from Romania are different from the ones in Louisiana. I'm not so much as mutated as I am improved."
Ethan didn't mention the Duke. If Chris was to find out the merchant had something to do with Ethan's revival, Chris wouldn't stop until he found the jolly fat man. He didn't mention seeing Eveline in limbo either since Chris wouldn't have believed him.
"And you didn't bother to tell us this when we interrogated you? Why?" asked Chris.
"I think you already know the answer to that, Chris. Because I knew that you would keep me with the BSAA for the rest of my life against my will if I did. That meant Bela and Rose as well. And if something did end up happening to me with the BSAA involved, Rose would have become orphaned and I wouldn't be there to protect Bela," said Ethan, "Besides, the Cadou has not been a problem at all."
"Do you even know how the Cadou works? What it's capable of?" asked Chris.
"Bela already told me about the Cadou's effects. It assimilates foreign DNA present in the host and permanently fuses it to the host's DNA as well as granting them immortality. In my case, it assimilated Eveline's Mold inside of me and amplified its effects, which allowed me to manipulate it in any way I wish such as the blades and claws I used from my hands," said Ethan, "Rejected hosts, on the other hand, are either killed or turned into Lycans."
"You should have told us this from the start, Ethan." sighed Chris, "We could have helped you."
"Chris, when I said I was done with you and the BSAA and we didn't want you interfering in our lives…" said Ethan, "…I meant it. I don't want the BSAA harassing us in regard to my condition."
"And besides, Chris. Keeping Ethan in the BSAA would have been pointless as there is no cure for the Cadou." said Bela, "Once it is implanted, it begins to lose its solid form once it starts to assimilate into the host. It effectively becomes a part of the host's DNA down to the molecule. There's nothing that can be done about Ethan's condition, Chris."
If Chris had something to retort against it, Ethan and Bela didn't hear it. Relaxing his arms, Chris gave out a long sigh.
"Given that you seem to be happy with the life you are leading right now and your benefactor guaranteed your safety from bioterrorists, I guess there isn't much of a reason for the BSAA to suspect anything bad will happen in the foreseeable future, said Chris, "But if this is the life that you want to live, then you need to make sure that nothing abnormal happens to the people around you that involves your new abilities."
"Chris, if something abnormal were to have happened, don't you think it would have shown itself by now? Wouldn't someone have reported it to you guys or wouldn't the BSAA have picked up on something by now?" asked Ethan.
"You've got a point, Ethan, but it's becoming increasingly easy for bioterrorists to hide their secrets and research nowadays," replied Chris, "Now, if we are done discussing your condition, then there is something else I came to you for."
"What is it, Chris?" asked Ethan.
"There's also another matter at hand," said Chris, "Since you two have managed to blend in with the local community, there are no signs of an outbreak and no…suspicious deaths, something has come up with the BSAA that I think only you two might be able to help with."
"What's that?" asked Bela.
"The BSAA had managed to raid another facility in Greece that belonged to the Connections a few months ago. We ended up destroying a lot of prototype bioweapons and arresting a lot of the personnel, but we also recovered two Cadou hosts they were using as sources for their research," said Chris, "Donna Beneviento and Karl Heisenberg."
Hearing those two names got Ethan and Bela attention on Chris more focused. Since they had no contact with either of them until the present day and the Duke didn't inform them of their whereabouts, the two assumed that Karl and Donna had perished in the village when the explosion occurred. But hearing them brought a sense of relief to the couple. Bela looked like she was about to shed a tear of happiness.
"Karl and Donna are alive?" asked Ethan.
"You've got Uncle Karl and Auntie Donna?! Are they alright?!" asked Bela frantically.
Chris gave Bela a bit of a disturbed look, apparently appalled at her calling the infected man and woman in question her uncle and aunt.
"They are both fine," said Chris, "But they had been in captivity for at least a few months before we found them. The Connections seemed to give them the basic nourishments to survive during that time, but had likely taken a lot of samples of their blood in return. Samples we haven't tracked down yet."
"And let me guess. You're the one leading the hunt for those samples? Or at least going to start looking soon?" asked Ethan.
"I am. And I'm on a tight schedule, so I'll just spit it out," said Chris, taking a pause before continuing I need you to take in Karl and Donna. I know that-"
"We'll take them in, Chris. Hands down," Bela cut him off, "Donna and Karl were the least threatening of the Four Lords and they deserve a second chance at life."
Ethan was surprised at Bela's sudden outburst, but he wasn't surprised at Bela agreeing to take the two in so readily. From what she told him about Donna and Karl during their time together, Karl was a bit of a douchebag when it came to Alcina, but he was on decent terms with Bela and her sisters. Donna was a recluse who almost never left the mansion, save for meetings with Miranda. But Bela was perhaps one of the few people Donna felt comfortable communicating with aside from Angie.
"But I'm surprised that the BSAA have kept Donna and Karl alive this long. Wasn't your organisation supposed to be destroying monsters? Not that I want Donna or Karl killed." asked Ethan.
"Rebecca Chambers has been pretty much their human shield for the past few months like she was with you two, but the BSAA is getting impatient with them around. Karl has been using his magnetism powers to cause small damage to the base since his health was restored and Donna has not been cooperative due to her reclusiveness. Rebecca and Karl are the only two she feels comfortable around. If we don't relocate them soon, they are eventually going to be put down," explained Chris, "And I would have found you sooner if I could."
"Well, until you mentioned Donna and Karl, we were still angry at you for planting that tracking microchip in my jeans when we left the base. We didn't want to be tracked and you disobeyed our request." said Bela with a glare.
"It was always my intention to keep tabs on you, but since you destroyed the chip, we've been unable to find you. Until now." said Chris.
"And you're allowing Donna and Karl out like us?" asked Ethan.
"Believe me, Ethan. A part of me wants nothing more get rid of them in the worst way possible, but Rebecca has been giving me earfuls these past few weeks, forcing me to build a tolerance for non-hostile irregular mutated humans. Plus, it's probably better off for them if they were near someone they trusted.", said Chris, "So you agree with this, Ethan?"
"Absolutely, Chris," said Ethan who met eyes with Bela, "They are always welcome here."
"Good. If you don't mind, I'll send over Rebecca with Donna and Karl," said Chris, "Of us all, Rebecca was the only one who they felt comfortable around and the only BSAA member they don't distrust."
"Nobody else, but you and Rebecca, will be aware of this location?" asked Ethan.
"Yeah. I can have them over before the week is done. I'll just need to inform the BSAA of this and arrange transport." said Chris.
"Will the BSAA be fine with this?" asked Ethan.
"So far, the rest of the world is unaware of Donna and Karl in our captivity, which is good since they don't need any extra attention," said Chris, "And ever since you left our custody, you're pretty much all a lot of the staff and operatives have ever been talking about. Not all still agree on your freedom, but the fact that nothing has come up involving you has made others have second thoughts in regards to keeping you with them. In fact, it was Rebecca's idea to seek you out and see if you can take in Donna and Karl."
"Tell her I said thanks, then." said Ethan.
"Alright. Then it looks like we are done here," said Chris, standing up from the chair, "I'll tell Rebecca the news and get the two prepared for departure. I'll help arrange transport and she'll contact your number when she arrives in the region so that they can be picked up from a location that won't warrant suspicion."
Ethan and Bela followed suit. The trio walked to the front door, allowing Chris to exit to the front yard. He turned to the couple.
"One last thing, Ethan," said Chris, "With both you and Bela having a Cadou implant that grants you immortality, it will cause you to staying the way you are forever. But Rose doesn't have that kind of gift. That means she'll age normally while you will stay the same."
Ethan sighed. Bela had told him of the Cadou's power while they were still in Germany and that it would grant immortality to those that it bonds to successfully. It took Ethan only a few moments back then to realise that he and Bela would no longer age while Rose would grow like a normal person, despite having Mold in her.
"I know, Chris. It will be sad to see Rose grow up while we don't age, but I'll be able to live with it since I know that I'll always be able to keep my daughter safe," said Ethan, "Plus, Bela and I have discussed on this matter. When she's the right age, we'll tell the truth to her. If things turn out well in the future and bioterrorism is at an end, then Rose will be able to live a normal life, even if Bela and I can't. Hopefully, one day…she'll understand."
"I'll hold you to that last part, but I've got a feeling bioterrorism might evolve even further if it isn't stopped," said Chris, "Just make sure to take care of everyone. Remember what I've taught you and you should be fine. Just…try to avoid using your mutations."
"Either way, Rose is staying out of this fight. Me going through the Baker House and the village, Bela having to betray her family and Rose getting broken into four pieces is more than enough." said Ethan, "I'll make sure that both Bela and Rose are safe. Donna and Karl, too."
Chris walked over to his truck, but not before looking back at Ethan with a smile.
"Ethan?" said Chris.
"Yeah?" asked Ethan.
"Now we're done." smiled Chris, "And I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark back in Romania as well as not believing Bela could change. Take good care of her."
Ethan smiled at that. Chris got in his truck, started up the engine, and drove out of the front yard. The couple watched as the truck went onto the dirt road, disappearing into the distance and leaving a cloud of dust in its wake. Ethan turned to Bela.
"I guess we have some preparing to do for Karl and Donna's arrival," said Ethan, "We should start by relocating some of our belongings to the shed-"
But Bela cut him off once more.
"Ethan…that all can wait," sighed Bela, "We should still focus on today and what we've got left of it. I'm more overjoyed than ever that I will soon be reunited with Donna and Karl, but we have plenty of time to prepare for their arrival. It is still Valentine's Day and it is not over."
"I know, Bela," said Ethan, "If you are still up for it, we can still have dinner at the new bistro that opened up at the village, followed by a stargazing session in the fields."
"That did sound great at first, but I've changed my mind. I have a new idea for a more…private romantic night." purred Bela, dragging her finger down Ethan's cheek, "A night in."
"At home?" asked Ethan, a little confused, "Doesn't sound very romantic. You sure?"
"Yes, Ethan," smiled Bela, "I'm sure and I'll make sure it will be very romantic. There's a few things that I need to get from the village for tonight first, though, Ethan. I shouldn't be too long."
Ethan leaned in and kissed his girlfriend on the lips. Bela grabbed the sides of his head, kissing him back. Despite her abilities, Ethan was still worried about her going out alone at times. But he knew she could hold her own in a fight and that always brought back a sense of relief to him.
"Just be careful, Bela," smiled Ethan, "I'll finish giving the vineyard one last watering check up on the wine barrels in the cellar. After that, I'll look into recipes for a dinner tonight. Anything that you feel like in particular?"
"Surprise me, Ethan. I'll be back to help you with the cooking." said Bela.
"I want to surprise you, Bela, so you just leave the cooking to me," assured Ethan, "I'm sure I can handle it."
"Okay, then, Ethan. I'll see you soon"
Bela went back into the hallway, where her small purse and a felt handbag were sitting on a table next to a modem. She promptly picked those up and exited the house, giving Ethan a peck on the cheek as she left. She passed the gardens and walked out the gate.
Ethan didn't know what Bela was going for, but he knew that he had some work left to finish and then he had to figure out what he was going to cook. And despite soon having to make room for two new inhabitants, he was still determined to make this Bela's greatest Valentine's Day ever.